American Idol 'will LOSE money this year for the first time in show's history thanks to stars' huge salaries

Now comes word that the hugely successful show will be operating in the red this year for the first time in it's history, TMZ is reporting.

It all has to do with 'the bottom line' which includes the fat salaries paid to keep it's bigger stars Jennifer Lopez and Ryan Seacrest happy.

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'In the red': American Idol is apparently going to lose money this year for the first time with Jennifer Lopez and Ryan Seacrest's salaries cited as the show's biggest expenses

Jennifer inked an incredible $17.5 million deal to return to her post a third season, as MailOnline previously revealed, a substantial raise from the $15 million she was making when she left the show in 2012.

She is considered the bigger star on the judges panel which also includes singers Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.

Ryan Seacrest takes in around $15 million for his hosting duties, according to TMZ.

Star power: Jennifer is considered the big draw on the judges panel that also includes singers Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr

Showing her the money: The Dance Again singer was paid a whopping $17.5 million to return to American Idol for season 13

Talent comes with a price: Ryan Seacrest is said to be paid around $15 million to host the Fox show

The website also points out that the show spent between $5 and $7 million on a new set for the current season, and that they are still paying two executive producers even though they were both let go after season 12.

Also dragging the show down financially is the $5 million spent on viewer phone calls.

Considering that ratings are down 26 percent from last season, the show is also losing advertising dollars, TMZ also states.

Yet even with the losses, the show is destined to return for another season partly because FOX axed it's other talent competition show X Factor earlier this month after three seasons.

To be or not to be: In spite of its financial losses, the show will likely return for another season